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Shanghaied
When Jack Sligo runs away from his loving Boston-Irish family, he hopes to get a summer job on a cruise ship. His dream becomes a nightmare when he meets two strangers who give him mysterious drinks in a waterfront saloon. Jack wakes up, far at sea, shanghaied aboard the African freighter, SS Iron Prince. The ship's first call is a remote jungle port in Venezuela where there's plenty of rum, women, and thieves, but no opportunity for escape.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 9, 2021
Initial thought upon finishing the book
This book never cease to be amazing. I really loved this story and all the gorgeous characters in it. It was so thrilling to be back in this world to see how Jack Sligo face everything that is thrown at him in life. I never want this book to end. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect in this. I found large parts of Shanghaied to be interesting and flushed with adventures.
What about the audiobook?
I listened to this, as always, via audiobook and I truly think this is the way to go. I often become disenchanted with books that are long because they take me so long to read – but audiobooks never phase me, even if they are nearly 100hours long. You just plod along very easily and enjoy the amazing performance of Andrew Tell who narrates this.
Summary
I don’t need to warble on any longer on this book. It’s great, guys. The story is different but it’s worth it and totally different piece of adventure. The ending to the book brings a WONDERFUL plot twist that I couldn’t be happier. I love these characters, I would read a book like this for lifetime Collin’s writing is simply spell-binding. Big thumbs up from me.
One reason to listen:
Andrew Tell's incredible narration.
Highly Recommended!
This book never cease to be amazing. I really loved this story and all the gorgeous characters in it. It was so thrilling to be back in this world to see how Jack Sligo face everything that is thrown at him in life. I never want this book to end. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect in this. I found large parts of Shanghaied to be interesting and flushed with adventures.
What about the audiobook?
I listened to this, as always, via audiobook and I truly think this is the way to go. I often become disenchanted with books that are long because they take me so long to read – but audiobooks never phase me, even if they are nearly 100hours long. You just plod along very easily and enjoy the amazing performance of Andrew Tell who narrates this.
Summary
I don’t need to warble on any longer on this book. It’s great, guys. The story is different but it’s worth it and totally different piece of adventure. The ending to the book brings a WONDERFUL plot twist that I couldn’t be happier. I love these characters, I would read a book like this for lifetime Collin’s writing is simply spell-binding. Big thumbs up from me.
One reason to listen:
Andrew Tell's incredible narration.
Highly Recommended!
June 21, 2020
'Shanghaied by David Collins' is a moving novel of a fifteen year old who wants to live a life like his grandfather tales. It is the second novel by the author in investigative thriller and this time I am completely blown away.
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Jack Sligo wanted to explore the world like his Irish Grandfather and so he joins a crew at a cruise ship. Little did he know his life is going to get hit by giant, heavy waves. One morning, after he meets some strangers who offered him a mysterious drink a night before, he wakes up at an African ship in the middle of the sea. Jack's life gets topsy-turvy in a night and thus enfolds a series of unexpected and unwanted events.
This book is a true account of author's experience and that makes it more interesting to read.
I loved the setting, description of episodes and felt like watching a Sylvester Stallone movie. With back drop Venezuela Jungles and fear of a fifteen year old boy.
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This coming of age novel deserves a lot of praise. To think someone has actually gone through a similar experience is scary for me.
Writing and narration are really gripping and fast paced. I actually read this book in 3 days.
--
Jack Sligo wanted to explore the world like his Irish Grandfather and so he joins a crew at a cruise ship. Little did he know his life is going to get hit by giant, heavy waves. One morning, after he meets some strangers who offered him a mysterious drink a night before, he wakes up at an African ship in the middle of the sea. Jack's life gets topsy-turvy in a night and thus enfolds a series of unexpected and unwanted events.
This book is a true account of author's experience and that makes it more interesting to read.
I loved the setting, description of episodes and felt like watching a Sylvester Stallone movie. With back drop Venezuela Jungles and fear of a fifteen year old boy.
--
This coming of age novel deserves a lot of praise. To think someone has actually gone through a similar experience is scary for me.
Writing and narration are really gripping and fast paced. I actually read this book in 3 days.
March 5, 2021
🌸First ever audiobook I am reviewing here with you all. We always read books but sometimes you should really take a break and enjoy some audiobook relaxing on your couch with a cup of coffee. You can enjoy this book with an amazing voice of the narrator that makes you feel that you are there in the scenes. This audiobook is worth listening, well written by David Paul and amazingly narrated by Andrew Tell.
🌸This book will take you to the adventure of a 15 year old boy, Jack Sligo who runs away from his loving Boston-Irish family, he hopes to get a work on a passenger ship during his summer vacation, at this age every boy dreams to lead a life on his own terms but his dream becomes a nightmare when he meets two strangers who give him mysterious drinks in a waterfront saloon. Jack wakes up, far at sea, shanghaied onto a huge iron ore ship. The ship's first call is a remote jungle port in Venezuela where there's plenty of rum, women, and thieves, but no opportunity for escape. So, later he meet some more people and plan to escape with someone's help.
Will he be able to escape?
Read this book or you can get an audiobook too and enjoy the adventure with Jack.
🌸From the beginning to the end, this compelling story carries you away. It is a memorable coming-of-age story. It seems like the author has shared his true experience through his book because he is a merchant seaman. This book is really captivating and as I have enjoyed this book as an audiobook, its a great experience. I really liked the journey of the protagonist, his character development is described amazingly. This book tells a modern sea story and introduces the public to the life of a Merchant Sailor. The story flows in an interesting way and you will keep reading without a break too. The writing is very detailed, thoughtful and so vivid. This book will hold your attention with the adventures of the main character. I really enjoyed this book.
🌸This book will take you to the adventure of a 15 year old boy, Jack Sligo who runs away from his loving Boston-Irish family, he hopes to get a work on a passenger ship during his summer vacation, at this age every boy dreams to lead a life on his own terms but his dream becomes a nightmare when he meets two strangers who give him mysterious drinks in a waterfront saloon. Jack wakes up, far at sea, shanghaied onto a huge iron ore ship. The ship's first call is a remote jungle port in Venezuela where there's plenty of rum, women, and thieves, but no opportunity for escape. So, later he meet some more people and plan to escape with someone's help.
Will he be able to escape?
Read this book or you can get an audiobook too and enjoy the adventure with Jack.
🌸From the beginning to the end, this compelling story carries you away. It is a memorable coming-of-age story. It seems like the author has shared his true experience through his book because he is a merchant seaman. This book is really captivating and as I have enjoyed this book as an audiobook, its a great experience. I really liked the journey of the protagonist, his character development is described amazingly. This book tells a modern sea story and introduces the public to the life of a Merchant Sailor. The story flows in an interesting way and you will keep reading without a break too. The writing is very detailed, thoughtful and so vivid. This book will hold your attention with the adventures of the main character. I really enjoyed this book.
October 15, 2020
Book Name: Shanghaied
Genre: Semi fiction
Summary: When Jack Sligo runs away from his loving Boston-Irish family, he hopes to get a summer job on a cruise ship. His dream becomes a nightmare when he meets two strangers who give him mysterious drinks in a waterfront saloon.
Jack wakes up, far at sea, shanghaied aboard the African freighter, SS Iron Prince. The ship’s first call is a remote jungle port in Venezuela where there’s plenty of rum, women, and thieves, but no opportunity for escape.
My Opinion: What an amazing story of a 15 year old escaping from his house and landing up in a place which is interesting to know, I just loved this book, it's filled with drama but on the other hand it brings out many things I didn't knew and a lot of us didn't knew. The storyline takes the readers to experience the highs and lows of sea life when Jack ends up into a place where he dreamt of but not this way. I was so emotionally attached with the character and I feel it's a book that didn't leave my even for a minute. I loved the vivid descriptions and details. I just adore how amazing it is to feel what he was feeling.
Good and Bad: I loved how Jack talks about his similarities with his grandfather, I was touched by it. The language is easy but gripping. I was instantly hooked.
My favorites from the book:
Jack is my absolute favorite and can't express how much connected I feel with his character.
Target Audience: I think young readers will relate and connect with the story so much. It's meant for all age groups though.
What to expect: An adventurous story.
Final verdict: It's filled with twists and turns. Many new things and events emerge simultaneously which makes it more interesting. It's also emotional as you go through. Go for it.
Rating: 5 /5
Genre: Semi fiction
Summary: When Jack Sligo runs away from his loving Boston-Irish family, he hopes to get a summer job on a cruise ship. His dream becomes a nightmare when he meets two strangers who give him mysterious drinks in a waterfront saloon.
Jack wakes up, far at sea, shanghaied aboard the African freighter, SS Iron Prince. The ship’s first call is a remote jungle port in Venezuela where there’s plenty of rum, women, and thieves, but no opportunity for escape.
My Opinion: What an amazing story of a 15 year old escaping from his house and landing up in a place which is interesting to know, I just loved this book, it's filled with drama but on the other hand it brings out many things I didn't knew and a lot of us didn't knew. The storyline takes the readers to experience the highs and lows of sea life when Jack ends up into a place where he dreamt of but not this way. I was so emotionally attached with the character and I feel it's a book that didn't leave my even for a minute. I loved the vivid descriptions and details. I just adore how amazing it is to feel what he was feeling.
Good and Bad: I loved how Jack talks about his similarities with his grandfather, I was touched by it. The language is easy but gripping. I was instantly hooked.
My favorites from the book:
Jack is my absolute favorite and can't express how much connected I feel with his character.
Target Audience: I think young readers will relate and connect with the story so much. It's meant for all age groups though.
What to expect: An adventurous story.
Final verdict: It's filled with twists and turns. Many new things and events emerge simultaneously which makes it more interesting. It's also emotional as you go through. Go for it.
Rating: 5 /5
December 19, 2020
Thank you so much to David Paul Collins for sending me a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review and for allowing me to on his books tour!
Upon starting the novel I noticed that the author’s voice immediately jumps out at you. It immediately hooks you in. We are first introduced to Jack as he is surrounded by family, but also plagued by thoughts of wanting more in life and wanting to be someone that goes on adventures. The pacing as we follow Jack along his journey was great. The moments when we are left alone with Jack’s thoughts are some of the best parts of the books.
The setting of the ship and the jungles that Jack has to navigate through are beautifully described. There couldn’t have been a better setting for this book. Seeing these settings through the eyes of a fifteen year old does wonders for the story-telling in this novel. Collins ability to give information relevant to the time the book is placed in without including infodumps is superb. I found myself remembering small details throughout the novel and it made me appreciate the story being told even more.
I also became incredibly close to the character as the story continued on. I wanted to be there for Jack in the book, but I knew I couldn’t because of him being a fictional character. Somehow this made me even more sad for him and the moments he felt alone on his journey.
I would definitely recommend picking up this book if you’re craving an emotional, thrilling, and thought-provoking adventure.
Upon starting the novel I noticed that the author’s voice immediately jumps out at you. It immediately hooks you in. We are first introduced to Jack as he is surrounded by family, but also plagued by thoughts of wanting more in life and wanting to be someone that goes on adventures. The pacing as we follow Jack along his journey was great. The moments when we are left alone with Jack’s thoughts are some of the best parts of the books.
The setting of the ship and the jungles that Jack has to navigate through are beautifully described. There couldn’t have been a better setting for this book. Seeing these settings through the eyes of a fifteen year old does wonders for the story-telling in this novel. Collins ability to give information relevant to the time the book is placed in without including infodumps is superb. I found myself remembering small details throughout the novel and it made me appreciate the story being told even more.
I also became incredibly close to the character as the story continued on. I wanted to be there for Jack in the book, but I knew I couldn’t because of him being a fictional character. Somehow this made me even more sad for him and the moments he felt alone on his journey.
I would definitely recommend picking up this book if you’re craving an emotional, thrilling, and thought-provoking adventure.
October 15, 2020
Shanghaied by David Paul Colllins is an award winning novel based on his own true story as a merchant seaman. Author has beautifully portrayed the role of protagonist Jack Sligo.
15 years old boy Jack Sligo runs away from his loving Boston-Irish family, in a hope to get summer job on a cruise ship. His dream becomes a nightmare when two strangers give him mysterious drinks in a waterfront saloon. .
Jack wakes up, far at sea, shanghaied aboard an African freighter. The ship’s first call is a remote jungle port in Venezuela where there’s plenty of thieves, rum and women, but no opportunity for escape. Manor Nelson, the ship’s bo’sun, is his secret protector. A silent bond grows between them as they fight the inhumanity of the ship’s master and Jack learns the cruelty of segregation.
But Jack needs more than friends to survive a vicious life at sea. He plans to escape with the help of 17-year-old Winston, a Jamaican, on the ship since he was 12. Read out the book to know more about his escape plan and the final outcome.
This book is a literary journey worth taking. There is great depth in Author writing and it makes you delve into that world. You feel connected to the characters and the story. This is a very refreshing and unique read. I am so impressed with Author’s writing and the details he so thoughtfully crafted in the plot. I m eagerly waiting to read more of his works.
15 years old boy Jack Sligo runs away from his loving Boston-Irish family, in a hope to get summer job on a cruise ship. His dream becomes a nightmare when two strangers give him mysterious drinks in a waterfront saloon. .
Jack wakes up, far at sea, shanghaied aboard an African freighter. The ship’s first call is a remote jungle port in Venezuela where there’s plenty of thieves, rum and women, but no opportunity for escape. Manor Nelson, the ship’s bo’sun, is his secret protector. A silent bond grows between them as they fight the inhumanity of the ship’s master and Jack learns the cruelty of segregation.
But Jack needs more than friends to survive a vicious life at sea. He plans to escape with the help of 17-year-old Winston, a Jamaican, on the ship since he was 12. Read out the book to know more about his escape plan and the final outcome.
This book is a literary journey worth taking. There is great depth in Author writing and it makes you delve into that world. You feel connected to the characters and the story. This is a very refreshing and unique read. I am so impressed with Author’s writing and the details he so thoughtfully crafted in the plot. I m eagerly waiting to read more of his works.
July 2, 2021
The "Jack Sligo" takes the cruise ship to the fulfill his dreams. Just when he was dreaming of starting a new life with his dreams life takes unexpected turns. And Jack adventurous journey start.
Author David Paul Collins story is fascinating to read to and the impressive setting add to the book's intensity. However, the book moves at lightning speed and you seem to lose track of what is happening in the world of "Shanghaied".
Author has great potential to write and with this book he nailed it. The incredibly well written characters and well developed crime scenes justifying the thrill of the book. Every side characters are also well developed, the big reason why you couldn't able to put the book down. All the Characters and all the scenes are portrayed in realistic way, nothing seems out of the place. Thrilling and adventurous ride the book has it low as well. There will be moments when I had questioned the storyline and found it predictable but I still couldn't begrudge the book that's been this engaging, entertaining and enjoyable. And, in the end the book, you will have a rare satisfaction which you get after completing a good book.
Author David Paul Collins story is fascinating to read to and the impressive setting add to the book's intensity. However, the book moves at lightning speed and you seem to lose track of what is happening in the world of "Shanghaied".
Author has great potential to write and with this book he nailed it. The incredibly well written characters and well developed crime scenes justifying the thrill of the book. Every side characters are also well developed, the big reason why you couldn't able to put the book down. All the Characters and all the scenes are portrayed in realistic way, nothing seems out of the place. Thrilling and adventurous ride the book has it low as well. There will be moments when I had questioned the storyline and found it predictable but I still couldn't begrudge the book that's been this engaging, entertaining and enjoyable. And, in the end the book, you will have a rare satisfaction which you get after completing a good book.
September 14, 2021
Would it be unprofessional to admit that I was jumping up and down like a maniacal cheerleader when reading Jack Sligo’s storyline? Yes? Then forget I mentioned it, however, if you want to get lost in a book, then Shanghaied is the book for you, without doubt the best book by Savid Paul Collins, it was an absolute joy to read.
The author didn't have to Shanghai me into reading it, I joined freely of my own free will and it's one of the best decision I've made this year.
This book is slow at times. But the slowest parts are the best. David is a master of detail. And the action is much more exciting when it comes after the calm. A book with only action would be boring to me. No sign of that in this book. Rich detail, gripping plot and profound character development.
It's an excellent novel and I recommend it to all those who, like me, love the kind of stories in which human nature is put to its limits.
The author didn't have to Shanghai me into reading it, I joined freely of my own free will and it's one of the best decision I've made this year.
This book is slow at times. But the slowest parts are the best. David is a master of detail. And the action is much more exciting when it comes after the calm. A book with only action would be boring to me. No sign of that in this book. Rich detail, gripping plot and profound character development.
It's an excellent novel and I recommend it to all those who, like me, love the kind of stories in which human nature is put to its limits.
September 14, 2021
There is nothing I can write that wouldn't be a spoiler. Not a word. It's a fantastic book if you are a sailor or like real-life adventure stories or even just want a good read that isn't like any other book. LOVE LOVE LOVED this book. I'm a serious oceanophile(?) and seek any and all books associated with sailing/shipwrecks/stranded at sea and this book captured all of them together. Although it sounds weird, I loved living with Jack Sligo on his sordid journey.
This book exhibits the exceptional versatility of the masterful writer Ivan Doig truly is. This story comes alive through fully fleshed out characters, human and natural interactions, and especially the uncompromising narrative and dialogue composition, all pulling the reader into the times, place, and characters of the story.
As a reader, this is a story that will truly transport you. If you are a writer and haven't read this story to improve your craft, tsk, tsk.
This book exhibits the exceptional versatility of the masterful writer Ivan Doig truly is. This story comes alive through fully fleshed out characters, human and natural interactions, and especially the uncompromising narrative and dialogue composition, all pulling the reader into the times, place, and characters of the story.
As a reader, this is a story that will truly transport you. If you are a writer and haven't read this story to improve your craft, tsk, tsk.
May 17, 2021
When Jack Sligo runs away from his loving Boston-Irish family, he hopes to get a summer job on a cruise ship. His dream becomes a nightmare when he meets two strangers who give him mysterious drinks in a waterfront saloon.
Jack wakes up, far at sea, shanghaied aboard the African freighter, SS Iron Prince. The ship’s first call is a remote jungle port in Venezuela where there’s plenty of rum, women, and thieves, but no opportunity for escape.
This is an adventurous ride on the sea shore. You won’t be able to put it down once you start it, you will live the character of Jack Sligo. It appeared that the story is driven from author’s own experience. It was a roller coaster ride with end number of twists and turns.
Must read by everyone. The language is simple and easy to understand. The storyline is gripping. The title is intriguing with a simple and a sober cover.
A contemporary read.
Jack wakes up, far at sea, shanghaied aboard the African freighter, SS Iron Prince. The ship’s first call is a remote jungle port in Venezuela where there’s plenty of rum, women, and thieves, but no opportunity for escape.
This is an adventurous ride on the sea shore. You won’t be able to put it down once you start it, you will live the character of Jack Sligo. It appeared that the story is driven from author’s own experience. It was a roller coaster ride with end number of twists and turns.
Must read by everyone. The language is simple and easy to understand. The storyline is gripping. The title is intriguing with a simple and a sober cover.
A contemporary read.
February 9, 2021
Amazingly woven like an interesting spell. I didn't think this book was going to be this good. It was , as you might expect , engaging , a total different piece of art from every aspect.
It sets a very high bar for whatever he does that comes next.
Must Read
It sets a very high bar for whatever he does that comes next.
Must Read
February 9, 2021
Five Stars
One of the best books I have read this month!
Highly recommend it! I only leave positive feedback and reviews when I love the book.
Feel free to ask anything regarding this book.
A must read for sure.
One of the best books I have read this month!
Highly recommend it! I only leave positive feedback and reviews when I love the book.
Feel free to ask anything regarding this book.
A must read for sure.
June 23, 2012
Just the thoughts of a fifteen year old boy waking up on an African ship with no idea how he got there give me chills, but that’s what happen to Jack Sligo in this story. And it is what happened to David Paul Collins in real life. Spellbound by his Irish grandfather’s tales of adventure, Jack Sligo had dreams of traveling around the world as part of the crew on a cruise ship. But did he dream of starting out this way?
“Shanghaied” is a novel based on the author’s own true story as a merchant seaman, making this not just a fictional story, but a story told with realistic accounts of what actually happens in the life of a merchant seaman.
I was hooked from the beginning of this story because I wanted to see what happened to Jack Sligo. I can only imagine the shock this guy felt waking up on that ship of strangers! In this well written story, David Collins takes you to the sea with him as he starts his sea journey at a very early age. I’ve never been at sea, but it was almost if I was there, smelling the sea, feeling the spray of salt water, and as a merchant taking in everything on the entire ship from top to bottom.
I always enjoy reading a book by an author writing from personal experiences, and this is truly one of my favorites. I enjoyed the writing style of Collins, and felt I could laugh and cry with him throughout his journey. I highly recommend this book as a fantastic read for anyone, and especially for those looking for a great adventure. This book will take your adventurous juices and take them to a higher level you never knew you had. After reading “Shanghaied”, you will want to take those adventures with a stronger determination that ever.
“Shanghaied” is a novel based on the author’s own true story as a merchant seaman, making this not just a fictional story, but a story told with realistic accounts of what actually happens in the life of a merchant seaman.
I was hooked from the beginning of this story because I wanted to see what happened to Jack Sligo. I can only imagine the shock this guy felt waking up on that ship of strangers! In this well written story, David Collins takes you to the sea with him as he starts his sea journey at a very early age. I’ve never been at sea, but it was almost if I was there, smelling the sea, feeling the spray of salt water, and as a merchant taking in everything on the entire ship from top to bottom.
I always enjoy reading a book by an author writing from personal experiences, and this is truly one of my favorites. I enjoyed the writing style of Collins, and felt I could laugh and cry with him throughout his journey. I highly recommend this book as a fantastic read for anyone, and especially for those looking for a great adventure. This book will take your adventurous juices and take them to a higher level you never knew you had. After reading “Shanghaied”, you will want to take those adventures with a stronger determination that ever.
October 12, 2011
Shanghaied is a true adventure sea tale. Well written and entertaining, author David Paul Collins captures the reader's interest and imagination from beginning to end.
December 6, 2011
So much fun to read! The descriptions are so colorful it's like you are watching a movie! Excellent story telling, I couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews